PADANG - Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo said that for the last three years, the agricultural sector has been the pillar of Indonesia's national economy and countries around the world affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"During the COVID-19 pandemic, only the agricultural sector experienced growth. This is data submitted by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), not the Ministry of Agriculture," said Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo in Padang City, Saturday, June 10.
This statement was made by the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia at the opening of the XVI Farmers Penas which was held at the Sutan Sjahrir Airport, Padang City, West Sumatra, on June 10 to 15, 2023.
Considering that agriculture was the only sector that experienced growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, Syahrul Yasin Limpo expressed his gratitude to the governors, regents, mayors, especially farmers and fishermen throughout Indonesia, who have helped save the national economy.
"The president would like to thank the agricultural sector for supporting the economy and for making Indonesia the best country in facing the challenges of COVID-19," said the Minister of Agriculture.
Based on existing data, Indonesia's export value also increased significantly by about six percent, from Rp. 300 trillion to Rp. 665 trillion, as stated by the Satyalancana Pembangunan recipient from the President in 2001.
In his speech, the former Governor of South Sulawesi stated that the head of state also encouraged local governments not only to rely on the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) and the Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD) in advancing the agricultural sector.
The Minister of Agriculture stated that local governments, both provincial and district and city levels, must cooperate with Himbara Bank to advance the agricultural sector through the People's Business Credit (KUR) program.
"KUR is a program initiated by the President and has been recognized by the international community, so it must be utilized properly," he said.
In 2020, the KUR funds used in the agricultural sector reached IDR 55 trillion, and the delay in payments occurred was only 0.03 percent. This shows that farmers in Indonesia can be trusted in the use of banking funds.
With good collaboration between the central government, local governments, and financial institutions, it is hoped that the agricultural sector in Indonesia will continue to develop and make a positive contribution in facing economic challenges, including in the post-COVID-19 recovery period.
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